Steering issues (Need Help!!!)

[Steve Martin]

Hello All,

I don’t post very often but I could use a little help on this one....I have a 2103 4x4 Mega Cab with 17,000 mile on the clock. Here’s my problem...The truck has a “ clunking or knocking” in the steering wheel when making a slight right turn, doesn't do it when turning left (weird). It feels like something is loose inside the column. It does it while moving slow or fast and most noticeable while entering or leaving a driveway or while getting onto a freeway on ramp (clover leaf). As soon as I straighten the wheel out, clunking goes away. I had this same issue with my 2003 Chevy 1/2 ton and it turned out to be the intermediate shaft. On my suggestion, the dealer has changed the intermediate shaft but it didn’t change the issue. It’s been to the dealer three times for the same problem (first two times they couldn't reproduce the problem, the third time I took the mechanic for a ride and he felt it). Has anyone had the same problem or might have any insight I could pass onto the dealer?? I can see the new shaft the dealer put on, but I am not sure if they replaced the section under the rubber “accordion” boot. Does anyone know what’s under that rubber accordion boot and if they changed the intermediate shaft is that section (accordion boot) part of the new shaft?? Maybe the dealer didn’t replace that part of the shaft and that could be what causing my loose feeling. Not sure if it’s in the steering box, stabilizer, or column itself. Very frustrating and I think the dealer is not sure where to go from here... Any insight would be great....Thanks TDR friends!!

Steve

 

[EDankievitch]

Your not crazy,I've got the same clunk. I don't feel it all the time but at times it feels like there is a loose bearing in the steering column. I've gone over everything and can't find anything loose or worn. I'm at a loss as to where to look next.

 

[Steve Martin]

EDankievitch,

I believe it’s the intermediate shaft. I took my truck back to the dealer yesterday and found out that they only replaced the lower section of the shaft, but didn’t replace the section under the rubber boot. I believe that’s the section they need to replace. The dealer was going to look into replacing that section and let me know. My Chevy had the same problem, when I replaced the intermediate shaft, all better!! Let’s see what the dealer does...Keep you posted. I thought after nobody replied to my thread I might be the only one in the country with a clunking in my steering. Thanks!!

Steve

 

[EDankievitch]

Keep me posted as to if you get it resolved. My truck will only do it if the wheel is off center turned slightly to the left or right. So most of the time you don't feel it but when you do as you know it makes you wonder if something is coming apart.

 

[Steve Martin]

Edankievitch,

Your right...Mine only does it on the right side. Truck has been at dealer now for 5 days. I hope they replace the section of the steering shaft that’s under the rubber boot. I’ll keep you posted.

 

[Steve Martin]

EDankievitch,

Wanted to give you an update on the steering issue I talked about back in October. After a lot of going back a forth and 4 times to the dealer, the dealership finally replaced the two shafts from the base of the steering column to the steering box, and also replace the entire steering column itself. Took the truck on a 180 mile round trip and had no issues at all. Clunking gone!! I can’t tell you exactly what it was, but after a new steering column and two new shafts I’m good to go. Hope you can get your fixed as well....Thanks

Steve

 

[EDankievitch]

good to hear that you found and solved it. now that the cooler weather is here my truck is not clunking nearly as much. one day I'll find it. thanks for the report back.